15-year-old killed in Ozarks boat accident ‘was a bright teenager with a big heart’
Loved ones are paying tribute to Kendall Johnson, a 15-year-old Missouri girl who died in a boating accident at Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks.
Kendall was swimming at the lake on Sunday, July 10, when she was struck by a pontoon boat that then crashed into rocks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. A 16-year-old boy was also injured during the incident.
The 62-year-old operator of the boat was tested for alcohol, officials said, but he was not charged.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch, which identified Kendall as the fatal victim, reported the boat operator had just dropped off Kendall and six other kids when he drove back to the area. The boat then struck the two teens, who were not wearing life jackets, the Post-Dispatch reported.
“It’s caused a traumatic, tragic event,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike McClure told the Springfield News-Leader.
Kendall was going to be a sophomore at Parkway West High in Ballwin, school principal John McCabe said in a letter to students and parents, according to KTVI.
This post is really difficult to make. We lost a piece of our family yesterday, when Kendall Johnson died in a tragic accident. She was always a joy to be around with her silly, upbeat personality. Please keep Kendall’s family and friends in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/o8bJjNkrhI
— Longhorn Softball (@pwestsoftball) July 12, 2022
She played softball for an 18-and-under travel team based out of St. Louis and also played hockey, according to social media posts.
“It is with great sadness that we share that one of our own, #6 Kendall Johnson, has been killed in boating accident this afternoon,” the St. Louis Heat 04 team said on Facebook. “A great young lady, athlete, friend, daughter and person all around.”
It is with great sadness that we share that one of our own, #6 Kendall Johnson, has been killed in boating accident this afternoon. A great young lady, athlete, friend, daughter and person all around. Please keep the Johnson Family in your prayers. #KJStrong pic.twitter.com/e9gmHuKv5G
— StL Heat 04 Zimmer 18U (@stlheat04zimmer) July 11, 2022
A GoFundMe for Kendall refers to her as “a bright teenager with a big heart and a good soul.”
lost my most selfless and thoughtful teammate yesterday. still don’t want to accept it. thank you so much for everything kendall, for lifting me up after a bad game, making me laugh endlessly in the dugout, and always rooting for those around you. playing for you #23 i love you️ pic.twitter.com/9pTD1UojOE
— Siena Snyder (@siena_snyder) July 12, 2022
Her high school softball team said Kendall was known for her “silly, upbeat personality,” while USA Softball of St. Louis called her an “incredible young woman.”
“You were a great friend, always wanting to include others, cheer people up, and an awesome player on the field (and on the rink),” a former teammate said.
Her club softball team will wear new uniforms with the color green — Kendall’s favorite color — when they play in a national tournament this weekend in Florida, the Post-Dispatch reported.
